//------------------------------//
// 2-2: MaresTail. 
// Story: New beginnings 
// by Elementum77 
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The walk from the Colosseum seemed mostly consist of Spitfire yawning and me failing to think up a conversation topic. I was more interested in the buildings that were on either side of the road, something I am sure Spitfire would have no interest in. The buildings were strange, each seemed to have their own shape and did not seem to have any support or foundations simply  formed cloud houses  with windows and doors and other minor details that gave them a form of individualism from each other, amusingly these were just normal homes.

Eventually we came to an area which no longer seemed to be prominently houses Instead larger more official buildings dominated the area. Some looked like sky scrapers from back home while others looked like Greek temples, the architecture alone for these buildings was amazing varied and if not a little strange. Trying to figure out what building served what purpose seemed to be impossible. 

“Are we going anywhere in particular?” Spitfire was still walking slowly probably still tired, I felt bad for waking her up so early if I knew what I was doing I would not need her to be a guide but evidently she would have to for a little while at least.

“We’re going to get breakfast aren't we?” Her voice was low and lethargic, not wanting to pry and instead just trust her I nodded and continued to follow. 

We had come to an area where the buildings were less imposing and official looking and more like what you would find on a high street in a smaller district. The majority of buildings that lined the streets seemed to be shops of sorts. None were open yet, understandably due to the time; it only reminded me of how early I had made Spitfire get up making me feel that much more guilty..

In the distance I noticed ponies walking over to one of the shops on the left hand side of the street, either they were going to open it or it was already open and if that was the case I presumed that was our destination. 

“Is that it?” I looked to Spitfire eagerly hoping it was indeed where we were going, from what I could tell beyond this street seemed to be more homes and eventually a dead end. literally. the cloud just stopped and beyond it was presumably a drop straight to the ground.

Spitfire turned her head lazily, letting out a small yawn before replying “Yea it’s a small cafe that not that popular, ideal for when you want to relax with out causing a scene” 

Once more Spitfire showed that she was not someone to strive for attention and would rather have her career and private life separate even if she was something of a celebrity. It was a little strange though, I had yet to see someone come up to her and ask her for anything like an autograph or a photo. I contemplated whether this was just by chance or that Spitfire had planned out a strategic strategy to avoid it. Thinking back to yesterday when I first arrived in Cloudsdale I think I was the reason no one had approached her.

A few minuets had passed since I started thinking of how Spitfire managed to avoid attracting unwanted attention, was it clear that she did not want the hassle while not working and so ponys had learnt to respect that? I know back home no matter how much a celebrity pleaded for privacy it was something they were never allowed the privilege to have. However the difference between Spitfire and and the celebrities back home is that she seemed to  understand that once you break the wall between your private life and your career it’s very hard to build it back up.

Finally reaching the cafe I took note of it’s appearance. It was fairly subtle in that it did not deviate from the basic structure of build to the other buildings on the street.  A small cloud-made frame around the area of the front the building it self with an opening in the center on all sides.
A collection of round tables were positioned out symmetrically inside the the the boundary's of the fence. Each table had four chairs around them and all were tucked neatly away underneath. 

Above the cafe main door a sign reading ‘Mares Tail’ in a some form of fancy calligraphy. Two large windows positioned on either side of the door. The door it self had a Solid white frame and the rest made out of glass; I questioned whether they though had though of security when they selected the door. 

Upon entering the cafe I was welcomed by the aroma of freshly backed goods and the faint hint of tea that had engulfed the room. The interior was as simple as the exterior. The walls were a solid white and it seemed the only source of light at this time was from the sun outside which had risen slightly higher from when me and Spitfire had awoke. Similar looking tables were positioned around the room close to the walls, however these actually had ponys sitting at them all who seemed to be conversing with each other and those sitting alone were enjoying there drinks. Through my observation of the cafe I hadn't noticed Spitfire sit down, to my surprise at the same table sat Soarin.

“I didn't thing I was going to see you here” I said as I walked over to the table and took a seat once more sitting awkwardly which of course raised a few eyebrows around the room. 

“Soarin is normally up at this time actually” Spitfire interjected before Soarin could comment.

“I am not a big sleeper and Spitfire and Fleetfoot aren't normally awake for another few hours...” I was unsure if Soarin was irritated that we here or that he was annoyed Spitfire had spoke for him. “So why are you awake so early Spitfire?” he said while picking up of a cup of what I presumed from the smell was tea.

“Well apparently Lucid is not much of a sleeper either and I worry what he would do if left unsupervised” Spitfire jested before she and Soarin shared a laugh, leaving me to feel like I was some sort of a child.

Before I could reply I heard the door open, I turned my head and was taken back to see a white coated Pony wearing solid gold armor with  astern look across his face. All eyes instantly fell upon him.

“I am sorry to interrupt you all at this time, however there is a matter of great urgency that must be given priority.” The deadly seriousness in his voice was unnerving, this was the first time I had seen any form of apparent authority since coming here. “I can not go into details but I ask if any you have seen any strange pony's around here, anypony acting strange that you have not seen before or causing problems or asking odd questions.” Spitfire's eyes quickly fell on me in worry it was obvious that she though I might be the one the male pony was talking about and admittedly I shared the concern. I looked round as if to search for somepony who might fit the description in both attempt to see if there was as well as to draw suspicion away from my self.

“I’m sorry but I don’t think we have, especially not in here” A mares voice shot across the room in a soothing calm tone, I turned my head to see a red coated mare standing behind the cafes  counter she was carrying a plate of apples so assuming she worked here.

The stallion stared at her before replying “Thank you for your cooperation if you do suspect anything please contact one of the guards in the vicinity immediately” He took one final look around the room seemingly taking no notice of me even though I was sitting peculiarly, then nodding to the red mare he walked out closing the door behind him. Through the window I could seem him fly off, I let out a sigh of relief before turning my head back to Spitfire and Soarin. The cafe fell into a brief silence as everyone stared at the door then equally as fast returned back to the way it had been prior. 

The red mare walked over and placed the plate of apples on our table. She was about the same height as Spitfire her coat was a solid red and her mane aqua blue, eyes crimson. She stared down at me bemused indubitably the way I was sitting was odd but I did not make eye contact in worry I would have to explain my self.

The mare spoke “Your in early today I never though you were one for festivities” Spitfire placed the apple down and looked up to the mare frowning.

“I’m not going to ponyville if that’s what your referring to Daisy” I looked to Soarin for some insight on what they were talking about but he seemed to busy eating the apple to pay heed to me and probably the actual conversation.

“What’s going on in ponyville?” Both mares stared at me as if the answer was obvious, then something in Spitfire’s head seemed to click.

“it’s the Summer Sun Celebration remember?” It took me a moment to notice the hint in Spitfire’s voice before replying.

“Oh yes of course.” I stared blankly at the the mare who I now presumed was called Daisy, who  was still was looking at be questionably. I was trying not to bring any attention to my self especially after what just happened but I felt even more liable to be though of as a possible suspect. 

“Soarin would you mind showing Lucid around Cloudsdale?” Spitfire picked one of the apple’s and gestured towards the door with it , immediately Soarin seemed to understand the situation amazingly. I looked to Spitfire with appreciation before standing up to wait for Soarin.

“Yea sure I know some useful spots he should know about if he is going to be working for us” I contemplated what would class as useful locations to Soarin, perhaps if I had listened to him when we were talking yesterday I would have an idea of where we were going, though before I could ask he had already begun walking to the door, motioning me to follow with his head. I looked to Daisy who had now started walking back to the counter carrying the plate which was now bare, I just hoped I did not do anything to make her report me to the ‘guards’. Spitfire had her heads tucked away under her hooves probably asleep a little odd considering it was in public, but from the lack of care Daisy showed I assumed it was not something odd.

Stepping outside I noticed it Cloudsdale was slightly more active, shops were beginning to open and I could spot some ponys flying in the distance, the street it self however remained somewhat quiet other then the noise of doors opening in the distance. I looked to Soarin who had stopped a few feet ahead of me and was staring down the street.

“You can’t fly right?” He looked at me casually, though really I was a little ashamed at the fact I could not actually move my wings let alone fly.

“N-no...” I rubbed the back of my head with my hoof in shame.

“Right then, the closet place to get to by walking is probably the general goods store in town” With that he began walking down the same street me and Spitfire had used to get to the cafe. I was surprised at the lack of care in his voice, I would have though it would be strange from anyponys point of view if a Pegasus of my age couldn't fly though on the inside I was glad that he did not seem to think of it as a major issue. 






Gdoc: Link
Proof-read by: FourFire